The Theater Offensive proudly announces its award-winning theater program for LGBTQ youth and allies with a celebration commemorating the program’s 20th year.
Special Honoree: Bob Rivers, President and COO of Eastern Bank
BOSTON – The Theater Offensive is proud to honor its award-winning theater program for LGBTQ youth and allies with a celebration commemorating the program’s 20th year. Beyond the Stage, the premier benefit for True Colors Out Youth Theater, will take place on November 19, 2015 at the Microsoft NERD Center in Cambridge. Beyond the Stage will honor the resilience and strength of LGBT and allied youth members of True Colors Out Youth Theater, which is the country’s oldest queer youth theater program. It is also Theater Offensive’s largest program. Guests are invited to mingle and meet the youth of True Colors, and will be treated to performances that will demonstrate how the community’s generous support impacts the lives of those that the company serves. This year’s event will honor COO of Eastern Bank, Bob Rivers, a longtime champion and supporter of True Colors.
True Colors original works highlight issues that still disproportionately impact the LGBTQ community, including bullying, rejection by families and friends, homelessness, discrimination, violence, depression, and suicide. Each year, True Colors has three seasons, two of which culminate with tours to schools and service agencies. These productions at schools and community locations provoke vibrant discussions about the realities of being LGBT youth across all kinds of factors, including gender identity, religious and ethnic backgrounds, socioeconomic status, and others. [pullquote]True Colors original works highlight issues that still disproportionately impact the LGBTQ community, including bullying, rejection by families and friends, homelessness, discrimination, violence, depression, and suicide.[/pullquote]
This past year, True Colors underwent an expansion, which added 3 additional components to its program. The Creative Action Crew is a touring theater group comprised of current Troupe members and alumni who share interactive performances around LGBT topics at additional sites throughout the state. The True Colors Studio is a series of artistic development workshops available to Troupe members, alumni, and community members under age 29. Finally, expansion includes the Leadership & Inclusion Council, where youth serve on an advisory committee to the organization to ensure youth input in decisions, and to create a leadership pipeline.
Sponsorship opportunities for individuals and businesses for Beyond the Stage begin at $500. Contact adrian@thetheateroffensive.org for more information.
The Theater Offensive: OUT in Your Neighborhood works in Boston neighborhoods to create original, groundbreaking works by, for and about the LGBT community. Their year-round community-based workshops, intensive engagement with at-risk youth to end bullying, and free street theater performances are focused in Roxbury, Dorchester, Jamaica Plain and the South End. OUT in Your Neighborhood expresses the diversity of the city of Boston, gives voice to underserved LGBT community members, creates avenues for cross-cultural dialogue and breaks down the barriers of homophobia, bigotry and hate.
The Theater Offensive started 1989, is led by founding Artistic Director Abe Rybeck. Its mission is to present the diversity of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) lives in art so bold it breaks through personal isolation, challenges the status quo, and builds thriving communities.
[From a News Release]
